Uv light emitting device for reducing microbial pressure inside a building and lighting device having such device

Abstract

The invention relates to a UV light emitting device for reducing the microbial pressure inside a building, said device comprising: a housing having an outer side and an inner side and an upper part and a lower part; a first LED UV light source being a directional light source of UVB light having a first light ray direction through the lower part of the housing; a plurality of second LED UV light sources arranged on the outer side of the upper part of the housing and being directional light sources of UVC light each having a second light ray direction, wherein, and each of said second UV light sources is provided with a beam angle of up to 30°, and wherein said second light ray direction defines a plane that is substantially perpendicular to said first light ray direction and is substantially parallel to the floor of said building when installed. The invention also relates to a lighting device having such a device. With the invention, harmful UV components can be provided in the second light source and directed in a direction away from areas in the room where animals or people are present, so that the UV light is harmless to people and other animals in the building.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a UV-emitting device for reducing microbial stress inside buildings. The invention further relates to lighting equipment having such a device. Background Technology

[0002] Such a UV emitting device is known from WO 2022 / 268768 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. In that disclosure, a emitting unit is described that is configured to emit light in multiple wavelength ranges (e.g., two, three or more important wavelength ranges), particularly in the UVB range, as well as in the UVC range and in the visible light range.

[0003] This type of luminescent unit is advantageous because the use of combined UVB and UVC wavelengths in the lighting device provides a significant reduction in microbial stress within the building's rooms by inactivating bacteria and viruses suspended as aerosols in the air, including drug-resistant bacteria (such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)) and viruses (such as swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV)). The presence of airborne microorganisms in animal housing facilities affects the air quality in those facilities, leading to exposure to pathogens for animals, facility workers, and people in adjacent areas. Concentrated housing can result in unsatisfactoryly increased levels of microbial stress within animal farm production facilities, particularly from zoonotic and aerosol microorganisms, potentially leading to significant health risks.

[0004] Furthermore, in many situations, such as when kept indoors, like in a stable, humans and domestic animals cannot naturally produce vitamin D3 at satisfactory levels. Natural light (sunlight) enhances the natural production of vitamin D3 in the skin of humans and animals. Vitamin D3 is produced in the skin by 7-dehydrocholesterol via ultraviolet B (UV-B) light. UV-B is present in the spectrum of natural light, therefore skin exposure to natural light drives the formation of natural vitamin D3 (ND3) in the skin. ND3 plays a crucial role in the immune system, as well as in the development and maintenance of bones and bone.

[0005] However, UVC light is known to be harmful to humans and animals, so the object of the present invention is to provide a UV emitting unit in which animals and humans in buildings (where such lighting devices are installed) are not exposed to the UVC components of the UV emitter. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This objective is achieved in a first aspect of the invention by providing a UV light emitting device for reducing microbial stress within buildings, the device comprising...

[0007] - A shell, which has an outer side and an inner side, as well as an upper part and a lower part;

[0008] - First LED UV light source, the first LED UV light source is a directional light source with UVB light having a first light direction passing through the lower part of the housing;

[0009] - Multiple second LED UV light sources are arranged on the outer side of the upper part of the housing, and each of the multiple second LED UV light sources is a directional light source of UVC light with a second ray direction, wherein each of the second UV light sources is provided with a beam angle of up to 30°, and

[0010] The second ray direction defines a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first ray direction and substantially parallel to the building floor during installation.

[0011] By providing two UV light sources with different light directions, it is possible to provide harmful UVC components in the second light source and to direct the light source in an orientation away from areas in the room where animals or people are present, thereby keeping the UVC light along the ceiling or roof of the building due to the relatively small beam angle.

[0012] Due to the design of the UV light-emitting device's housing, the two light sources—UVB light oriented downwards or approximately vertically and UVC light oriented approximately horizontally—do not interfere with each other and can be supplied without reflecting the emitted light to orient it in a specific direction. Therefore, zero energy loss is achieved, and the effectiveness of the UCV emitting device is increased.

[0013] Another advantage is that, since the air inside the building is regularly ventilated primarily from top to bottom, ambient air passes through the upper area of ​​the room, where it is exposed to UVC light, and thus any airborne microbial particles and insects are inactivated before being directed downwards toward animals and / or humans in the room.

[0014] Preferably, the third LED light source provides visible light in a light direction that is substantially parallel to the direction of the first light ray. Therefore, the light-emitting device can be used as a comprehensive light source for illuminating buildings.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a second LED light source is provided in a ring-shaped arrangement on the outer side of the housing in the upper part of the housing. In a particular embodiment, the LED light sources are also arranged in a ring-shaped arrangement with equal spacing. Furthermore, the first light direction is preferably generally vertical and the second light direction is generally horizontal. Thus, a compact lamp design is provided in which the two types of UV light sources are well separated and their light directions are significantly different.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first UV light source emits UVB light having wavelengths of 280 nm-320 nm, more preferably 285 nm ± 4.5 nm, 297 nm ± 4.5 nm and / or 300 nm ± 2 nm.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, the first light source has a beam angle of approximately 70°. The visible light component of the first light source (if present) may have an even wider beam angle, such as 120°. Therefore, the visible light propagates relatively widely to illuminate the room.

[0018] In some preferred embodiments, the second UV light source emits UVC light with wavelengths of 230 nm–280 nm, such as 233 nm ± 2 nm, 265 nm ± 2 nm, or 280 nm. These UV wavelength ranges have been found to be particularly effective at killing microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. Therefore, UVB emission is directed downwards into the room, and the more harmful UVC light is laterally directed so as not to reach people and / or animals in the room below the light. Conversely, the stronger UVC light remains below the ceiling, and because the air moving within the building is periodically ventilated from top to bottom, and because the ambient air is exposed to UVC light as it passes through the upper area of ​​the room, any airborne microbial particles are inactivated before being directed toward animals and humans inside the building. These lighting fixtures can advantageously be vertically mounted, with LED UVB at a wavelength of 300 nm ± 2 nm and UV-C light with a 30° beam angle, the midpoint of which is near the horizontal, thus making the UVC light harmless to humans and other animals in the building. UVB light, especially UVB light at a specific wavelength of UV electromagnetic radiation emitted from LEDs, is essentially monochromatic, and this wavelength is selected to target any microorganisms present on animal surfaces in buildings to reduce microbial stress, such as terminating any bacteria and viruses on animal skin. It has also been recognized that the natural production of vitamin D3 in animals is enhanced by appropriately selecting wavelengths of 300 nm ± 2 nm at the peak and ± 5 nm at the bottom of the peak.

[0019] To enable adjustment of the UVC lamp, it is advantageous that the second light direction is adjustable, preferably at 5° intervals relative to the horizontal plane, allowing slight adjustment of the generally horizontally oriented UVC lamp to follow the roof or ceiling of the building where the lighting fixture is installed. By providing a relatively narrow illumination cone, and further providing the option to adjust the light direction of the UVC light source, it can be ensured that the UVC lamp is held at the top of the room, such as above 2.5 m in the room, so that the UVC lamp will not then touch animals and / or people in the room.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, a light intensity sensor, such as a UV light sensor and / or a visible light sensor, is provided. Furthermore, a wireless communication unit adapted to transmit light sensor readings to a control unit for controlling the light intensity of a first light source that is at least substantially vertical, and optionally, the light intensity of a visible light source. This provides automatic adjustment of the vertical light intensity for the lighting device and allows for control and adjustment of the lighting intensity to compensate for any UV light attenuation in each lamp over time.

[0021] In a second aspect of the invention, a lighting device is provided for reducing microbial stress within a building (such as an animal production building or a healthcare environment, such as a hospital); the device includes a plurality of UV emitting devices according to any one of the preceding claims, and a control unit for controlling the light energy emitted by each device based on sensor readings (such as light intensity sensor readings received from one or more devices of the device).

[0022] For example, at least a portion of the multiple UV emitting devices preferably have their second LED light sources arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane as the luminaires that make up the building (such as an animal production facility, like a stable, or a medical center, like a hospital).

[0023] Alternatively, at least a portion of the plurality of UV-emitting devices is provided with a second light direction for the second LED light source of the mounted device, the second light direction changing between above and below a generally horizontal plane. This may be advantageous in some facilities by changing the position.

[0024] Above, within the building, ventilators can be advantageously installed in the ceiling section of the building, adjacent to multiple UV-emitting devices. This ensures regulated airflow and circulation of ambient air through the upper volume of the building, where strong UVC light is present to purify the air and reduce the presence of microorganisms. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of the UV emitting device according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a top view of the UV light-emitting device;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a UV light-emitting device;

[0029] Figure 4This is a bottom view of the UV light-emitting device;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the vertical bottom lamp opening of the device;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the UV lighting device;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a detailed cross-sectional view of the second light source in the UV light-emitting device; and

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a UV lighting system with multiple UV light emitting devices in a building. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Referring to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of a UV-emitting lighting device for reducing microbial stress within a building is shown. The lighting device includes a housing 1 as an outer side 1E and an inner side 1I, as well as an upper part 1U and a lower part 1L. A first LED UV light source 2 is disposed inside. This first LED UV light source is a directional light source having a generally vertical light direction LD1 extending downwards from the housing opening at the bottom of the lower part 1L of the housing 1 (see figure). Figure 3 The first light source 2 is disposed on a support plate 21 inside the housing 1, and an array of LEDs 22 is disposed on the support plate 21, such as... Figure 4 The ring shown. The first light source 2 is an LED array configured to emit UVB light with wavelengths of 280 nm-320 nm, such as 285 nm ± 4.5 nm, 297 nm ± 5 nm and 300 nm ± 5 nm, more preferably 300 nm ± 2 nm.

[0035] Multiple second LED UV light sources 3 are arranged on the outer side 1E of the housing 1, and each is a directional light source with a second light direction LD2 (see...). Figure 7The second light direction LD2 defines a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first light direction LD1, i.e., preferably substantially horizontal. In the embodiment shown in the figure, six second light sources 3 are arranged in a ring configuration on the upper part 1U of the housing 1, spaced at equal angles around the outer side 1E. The number of second light sources 3 can vary depending on the specific configuration of the lighting device. The second UV light sources 3 emit UVC light with wavelengths of 230nm-280nm, preferably 233nm±5nm or 265nm±5nm. These UV wavelength ranges have been found to be particularly effective at killing microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. Through this invention, it has been recognized that the wavelength of UVC light of 233 nm ± 5 nm and the beam angle LB2 of less than 30° can be used for lighting devices for medical purposes in hospitals, etc. These lighting devices can be advantageously installed vertically, with the LED UVC at 233 nm ± 5 nm and the UV-C light at a narrow beam angle of 20°-30°, the median of which is near the horizontal, thereby making the UVC light harmless to humans and other animals in the building. Multiple secondary light sources 3 can all emit UVC light with the same wavelength or different UVC wavelengths.

[0036] like Figure 7 As shown, each of the second UV light sources 3 has a beam angle LB2 of up to 30°. To enable adjustment of the UVC light, it is advantageous that the second light direction LD2 is adjustable, such as at 5° intervals relative to the horizontal plane. By providing a relatively narrow illumination cone LB2, and further providing the option to adjust the light direction of the UVC light source, it can be ensured that the UVC lamp is held at the top of the room, such as above 2.5 m in the room, so that the UVC lamp will not then reach animals and / or people in the room.

[0037] A third LED light source 2' can also be provided on the support plate 21 inside the housing 1. This third LED light source emits visible light in a generally vertical light direction (generally parallel to the first light direction).

[0038] In embodiments of the invention, the first light source is provided with a beam angle LB1 of approximately 70°. The visible light component of the first light source (if present) may have an even wider beam angle LB1, such as 120°. Therefore, the visible light propagates relatively broadly to illuminate the room. Furthermore, UVB emission is directed downwards into the room and the more harmful UVC light is directed laterally, thus avoiding contact with people and / or animals in the room below the light. Conversely, the stronger UVC light remains below the ceiling and due to air movement within the building's air. The air inside a building often flows primarily from the top to the bottom, and as the surrounding air passes through the upper area of ​​the room, it is subjected to UVC light, thereby inactivating any airborne microbial particles before they are directed downwards towards animals and / or humans in the room.

[0039] As shown in some of these figures, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5 Light intensity sensors 5, such as UV light sensors and / or visible light sensors, are provided at the bottom outlets of the first light source 2 and the third light source 2' inside the housing 1. An antenna 6 (such as a Bluetooth antenna) is provided on the top of the housing 1, which enables wireless communication 61 suitable for transmitting light sensor readings to a control unit 62 for controlling the light intensity of the first light source, which is at least generally vertical, and optionally also the visible light source.

[0040] As previously mentioned, the second light direction LD2 is adjustable, such as at 5° intervals relative to the horizontal plane. In one embodiment, as... Figure 7 As shown, this adjustment is provided by installing a second light source 3. The UVC emitting second light source 3 is provided as an LED (light-emitting diode) mounted on a carrier plate 31, which may be circular, such as a printed circuit board. The carrier plate 31 is mounted in a circular opening in the housing 1, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the carrier plate 31. The carrier plate 31 is accommodated between two inclined mounting rings 33a and 33b. By rotating these rings 33a and 33b relative to each other, the carrier plate 31 is positioned at different tilt angles, thereby adjusting the direction of the LD2 light. A protective lens 32 is provided in front of the LED.

[0041] exist Figure 8 The image shows lighting equipment within a building (such as an animal production building or a healthcare environment, for example, a hospital with multiple UV-emitting devices that communicate wirelessly 61 with a control unit 62).

[0042] Sensor 5 measures the light intensity and transmits the sensor readings to control unit 62 via a Bluetooth antenna. Control unit 62 can then adjust the vertical light intensity emitted from the first and third light sources to correct for light decay over time, thereby keeping the selected light intensity constant.

[0043] In this disclosure, the term UV light is frequently used. The term UV light generally refers to ultraviolet light with wavelengths between 100 nm and 400 nm. Furthermore, UV light is subdivided into three regions by wavelength: UVA: wavelengths between 320 nm and 400 nm, UVB: wavelengths between 280 nm and 320 nm, and UVC: wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm.

[0044] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it should not be construed as being limited in any way to the presented embodiments. The scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Moreover, references such as "a" or "an" should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference numerals in the claims relative to the elements shown in the drawings should also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims may be advantageously combined, and the mention of these features in different claims does not preclude the possibility and advantage of combining features.

[0045] The invention has been described above with reference to some currently preferred embodiments. However, it should be recognized through this invention that other embodiments and variations may be provided without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A UV luminescent device for reducing microbial stress within buildings, the device comprising: - A housing having an outer side and an inner side, as well as an upper part and a lower part; - A first LED UV light source, wherein the first LED UV light source is a directional light source having a first light direction of UVB light passing through the lower part of the housing; - A plurality of second LED UV light sources are arranged on the outer side of the upper part of the housing, and the plurality of second LED UV light sources are directional light sources of UVC light, each having a second ray direction, wherein each of the second UV light sources is provided with a beam angle of up to 30°, and The second ray direction defines a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the first ray direction and substantially parallel to the building floor during installation.

2. The UV light-emitting device according to claim 1, wherein, The third LED light source provides visible light in a light direction that is approximately parallel to the direction of the first light ray.

3. The UV light-emitting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second LED light source is arranged in a ring at equal intervals on the outer side of the upper part of the housing.

4. The UV light-emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first ray is oriented approximately vertically, and the second ray is oriented approximately horizontally.

5. The UV light-emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first UV light source emits UVB light with a wavelength of 280 nm-320 nm, preferably 300 nm ± 2 nm.

6. The UV light-emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first light source is provided with a beam angle of at least about 70° for the UVB light.

7. The UV light-emitting device according to claim 6, wherein, The first light source is provided with a visible light component of the third light source that can have a beam angle of up to 120°.

8. The UV light-emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The plurality of second UV light sources emit UVC light with wavelengths of 230 nm to 280 nm, preferably 280 nm ± 2 nm.

9. The UV light-emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of the second UV light sources is provided with a beam angle of up to 30°.

10. The UV light-emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, It is equipped with a light intensity sensor, such as a UV light sensor and / or a visible light sensor.

11. The UV light-emitting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A wireless communication unit is provided, which is adapted to transmit light sensor readings to a control unit for controlling the light intensity of at least the generally vertical first light source and optionally the light intensity of the visible light source.

12. A lighting device for reducing microbial stress within a building, said building being such as an animal production building or a healthcare environment, such as a hospital, said device comprising: A plurality of UV light-emitting devices according to any one of the preceding claims are provided, and A control unit for controlling the light energy emitted by each of the devices based on sensor readings, such as light intensity sensor readings received from one or more of the devices.

13. The lighting device according to claim 13, wherein, At least a portion of the plurality of UV emitting devices are provided with a second light direction in a plane that is substantially the same horizontal as the second LED light source of the device, preferably, the second light direction is substantially parallel to the ceiling of the building when installed.

14. The lighting device according to claim 12, wherein, At least a portion of the plurality of UV emitting devices are provided with a second light direction of the second LED light source of the device, the second light direction changing between above and below a generally horizontal plane.

15. The lighting device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, A ventilation fan is installed in the ceiling section of the building, adjacent to the plurality of UV light-emitting devices.

Images